21 Oct 2020  |   06:03am IST

NGT bans all types of structures at turtle nesting sites

Directs GCZMA to remove all structures, including sheds and sunbeds, before next turtle nesting season

Team Herald

PANJIM: Imposing a ban on the erection of any structures, whether temporary or permanent along beaches designated as turtle nesting sites, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, has directed Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to remove all such structures, including sheds and sunbeds, before the upcoming turtle nesting season beginning November. 

Mandrem and Morjim in North Goa and Agonda and Galgibag beaches in South Goa are designated as turtle nesting sites under CRZ 2011.

The order was passed by the green bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Satyawan Singh Garbyal, in an appeal filed against a GCZMA order of February 11, 2020 to demolish unauthorised constructions at Ashvem-Mandrem beach and pay a penalty of Rs one lakh. NGT has dismissed the appeal while directing the coastal body to go ahead with the compliance of its order. 

“There should not be any structures, whether temporary or permanent, to be erected in such beaches and no artificial lighting or the food articles or litters to be allowed to be thrown in these beaches. We, therefore, direct that the sheds, sun-beds etc, which are there in these beaches are removed before the turtle nesting season begins,” the order stated.

The Green Bench noted that Goa is fortunate to have some of the beaches which are preferred by sea turtles particularly Olive Ridley turtles for laying their eggs. “Therefore, every effort is required to be made by the concerned authorities to keep such beaches undisturbed and in pristine condition,” it said.

NGT said there should not be artificial lighting along these beaches, since such lights disturb turtles as they are extremely sensitive and are guided by natural light and moon light.

“And there should not be any litter on the beaches which would attract unwanted predators. There should not be any interference during hatching process and a distance should be maintained, and if disturbed the turtles withdraw from nesting,” NGT added.

The Tribunal has directed the authorities to keep nesting areas fenced to keep the beaches pristine and undisturbed during turtle nesting season which starts in November-December and continues up to March-April.